The world’s leading auction houses have thrown their considerable support behind the 2017 CECF Ordos to play a key role in helping grow grassroots interest in thoroughbred racing in China.

Auction houses Goffs (Ireland), Inglis (Australia), Keeneland (USA), Magic Millions (Australia), New Zealand Bloodstock (New Zealand), Ocala Breeders’ Association (USA) and Tattersalls (Britain) and industry bodies the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (USA) and the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (Ireland) will unite to support an event that continues to build an enviable record in promoting participation in thoroughbred ownership domestically in China and on the international racing scene.

Teo Ah Khing, Chairman of the Inner Mongolia Yitai Desert Star Horse Industries, which is organizing the 2017 CECF Ordos, and Chairman of the China Horse Club was unequivocal in explaining the importance of the roles of these industry leaders.

“The support of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Goffs, Inglis, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Keeneland, Magic Millions, New Zealand Bloodstock, OBS and Tattersalls needs to be applauded. It is only with the support of industry leaders like this that interest in thoroughbred racing and breeding in China will continue to grow,” Teo said.

“These organizations certainly understand that they are members of the thoroughbred community. They are actively welcoming China into the fold by supporting a festival with a track record. The results of their support in previous years is being seen now as more and more Chinese buy into thoroughbreds and participate in the sport. And the results of their support given this year will play out in the coming years.

“On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the 2017 CECF Ordos I commend each of these companies for throwing their support behind the 2017 CECF Ordos.”

Goffs, Inglis, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Keeneland, Magic Millions, New Zealand Bloodstock and Tattersalls have been regular supports of the CECF since its inception in 2013. OBS and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association have added their support this year.

The 2017 CECF Ordos is reliant on industry support to grow and foster. As it heads into its sixth edition it has aspirations of bringing more first time owners into the sport and to sharing horse racing with a domestic audience of more than 1,000,000 viewers.

“The importance of the CECF cannot be undersold. The success the China Horse Club is having on the international scene has only been possible because of the CECF,” Teo added.

“The CECF has allowed us to grow our base. Having a larger membership base has ensured we can be more proactive in the market place for these members and, in turn, they are supporting auction houses and breeders around the world.

“When they see the international community coming to support them in China they are certainly appreciative.”